The number of new HIV infections has fallen over the years – it declined by 39% from 2010 to 2023. But HIV’s devastating impact on global health persists. In 2023, 1.3 million people acquired HIV – three times more than the 370,000 target set by UNAids. In sub-Saharan Africa, HIV incidence among young women aged 15-24 is decreasing – but they accounted for 27% of all new infections in 2023, and were three times more likely to acquire HIV than male counterparts.
There are a variety of effective, user-centred HIV prevention options. They include oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEp (a daily pill that contains antiretroviral drugs), condoms, vaginal rings (which can be inserted and release drugs), and long-acting injectables.
These are critical in the fight against HIV, but a person needs to decide to use them. It is this user decision process which is fundamental in understanding how to prevent new HIV infections.
